Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Highland Park
★ 4.88
£2995
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£2500
| Highland Park 40 Year Old | Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Port Ellen |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.3% | 57.7% |
| Age | 40 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £2995 | £2500 |
| Rating | 4.88/5 | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.88).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is better value at £2500 vs £2995.
For beginners: Highland Park 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 40 Year Old
Pros
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 30 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2995 vs £2500)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£2500 vs £2995)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Highland Park 40 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - 9th Release (Special Release 2009)